Three people survived a plane crash near the summit of Vermont’s Mount Equinox early Wednesday after deep snow cushioned the impact, officials with the Manchester Fire Department report. The Piper PA-28, which departed from Martin State Airport in Maryland, crashed around 3:50 a.m. at an elevation of 3,200 feet.
First responders battled waist-deep snow, subzero temperatures, and thick fog to locate the crash site, which was reported five hours after impact. Nearly 100 personnel from multiple agencies coordinated the rescue, deploying helicopters, snowmobiles, and baskets to airlift the pilot and two passengers. New York State Police helicopters transported the survivors, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries, to hospitals. One patient was flown to Albany Medical Center for further evaluation.
“The snow helped cushion the fall,” said Manchester Fire Department’s First Assistant Chief Jamie Greene, crediting the soft terrain for preventing fatalities. Rescuers faced “rugged” terrain with zero visibility, requiring snowshoes and ATVs to reach the wreckage.
“At approximately 8:33 AM, the Manchester Communication Center received an E911 call reporting an airplane crash on the side of Mt. Equinox near the summit in the town of Manchester. It was reported that three individuals involved had non-life-threatening injuries.
Manchester Police, Fire, and Northshire EMS were dispatched to West Union Street at the base of Mt. Equinox. Manchester Fire initiated a first alarm, prompting additional fire units to respond from Arlington, Dorset, East Dorset, Winhall, and Pawlet Fire Departments.
A request was immediately made to the New York State Police Aviation Unit and New York State Rangers for a helicopter with a winch. A medevac helicopter from Dartmouth-Hitchcock was also requested. Winhall Police Department and the Bennington County Sheriff’s Department responded to the scene, each providing a dispatcher to assist at the Manchester Communication Center. Vermont Fish and Wildlife and Vermont State Police also assisted on scene.
Rescue crews faced extremely difficult conditions, navigating through snow up to four feet deep near the top of the mountain. Crews attempted access via Skyline Drive, which is unmaintained in winter, while others approached from West Union Street in Manchester. At approximately 10:16 AM, rescuers located the crash site.
New York State Police Aviation then identified the scene and lowered Rangers to assess the individuals. Using their winch system, NYSP Aviation successfully lifted all three subjects from the hillside and transported them to the Manchester Public Safety Facility. In total, three individuals were rescued with non-life-threatening injuries. One patient was subsequently airlifted to Albeny Medical Center for further evaluation.
On behalf of the Manchester Police Department, Manchester Fire Department, and Northshire Rescue Squad, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the greater Northshire community for their invaluable assistance. Your support—whether through providing snowshoes, snowmobiles, or food—played a crucial role in ensuring a successful rescue operation.
Thank you for your generosity and unwavering support.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will inspect the site Friday to determine the cause. Officials are examining weather, mechanical factors, and pilot decisions, though no immediate details were released. The crash follows a string of recent aviation incidents, including a plane that overturned on the runway in Toronto.
Greene praised the community for donating equipment and supplies, calling it “crucial” to the operation’s success. The survivors, whose identities remain undisclosed, were conscious and responsive during rescue.
Vermont is currently experiencing one of its snowiest winters in decades. Jay Peak ski resort is among the snowiest resorts in North America, having received more snow than all Colorado, Utah, California, and most western resorts.
Mount Equinox, Vermont’s highest Taconic peak at 3,848 feet, offers panoramic views spanning five states and hosts the eco-friendly Saint Bruno Viewing Center at its summit. Its slopes shelter one of New England’s largest rich northern hardwood forests, a biodiversity hotspot conserved through partnerships with organizations like The Nature Conservancy.
